Philips, a health technology company, and Medtronic, a medical technology company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in India to train cardiologists and radiologists in advanced imaging techniques for structural heart diseases. The partnership will focus on upskilling over 300 clinicians in multi-modality imaging, including echocardiography (echo) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
The training programme will include didactic sessions and hands-on experience with Philips’ ultrasound and MRI systems. Renowned international and Indian experts will conduct the sessions at 15 key medical institutions specialising in structural heart procedures.
Bharath Sesha, Managing Director, Philips Indian Subcontinent, said, “At Philips, every effort we make is centered on providing better care for more people and this partnership with Medtronic is another step towards our goal. By focusing on innovation and education in structural heart imaging across India, we aim to address the rapid advancements in multi-modality imaging through continuous learning. Our objective is to empower clinicians with advanced techniques such as echocardiography and MRI, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved care outcomes, especially for ESRD patients. As India’s healthcare landscape progresses to address its high disease burden, we remain committed to enhancing clinical expertise and making a meaningful impact on patient care.”
Mandeep Singh Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President of Medtronic India, said, “We are excited to partner with Philips to bring this innovative training initiative to life. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease and ESRD. By providing specialized training and advanced imaging solutions, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the tools they need to enhance the precision of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures and ultimately improve patient care.”
India records approximately 2.2 lakh new cases of ESRD each year. Global studies indicate that 9.5 per cent of ESRD patients with aortic stenosis can benefit from advanced imaging technologies during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). The partnership addresses the need for advanced diagnostic solutions and specialised training for clinicians.
Medtronic’s transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system recently marked 20 years since its first-in-human procedure in 2004. Over the past two decades, the company has introduced several TAVR systems in India, supporting the adoption of minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedures.
Philips’ AI-driven software analyses aortic anatomy using data from 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) and MRI. This eliminates the need for radiopaque contrast agents, which can be nephrotoxic and increase the risk of kidney function deterioration in ESRD patients. By enabling clinicians to use alternate imaging approaches, the collaboration aims to improve both the duration and quality of life for these patients.